Sunday, November 9, 2008
Offered by Victoria G. Curtiss, Associate Pastor

O God of constancy and of change, of endings and beginnings, we thank you for abiding with us in all seasons of our lives.

You bring us to new realities. The briskness of autumn air marks the end of summer warmth. Now the soil lies fallow, resting in order to bear fruit next year. We praise you, God, for designing creation to nurture life.

With the loss of our friend and colleague, Dana Ferguson, the emptiness of grief hovers.
Yet in the midst of death comes your promise of resurrection to eternal life. Comfort us and all who mourn. We especially lift up to you families in Haiti whose children died in the collapse of a school.

With the outcome of the presidential election, some are disappointed or anxious as an era ends. Yet we thank you that this watershed in our history has been a catalyst for hope throughout the world and for healing of wounds from past racial strife. Guide our elected officials during this difficult economic period and transition of power, that cooperation and information are shared freely and your wisdom takes hold.

You call us to be stewards, stewards of the mysteries of faith. Open our mouths and inspire our actions to express joy and faith to our neighbors as we witness to your love for all peoples.

You call us to be stewards of the earth. Move all nations to take heed of climate change and be conserving in ways that sustain resources for future generations.

You call us to be stewards of our bodies as temples of your Spirit. Liberate us from bad habits that harm our health and from cultural exploitation that denigrates our sexuality.

Be present with all who are ill, that they may know your gift of wholeness.

You call us to be stewards of your vision for the world. Strengthen us to embrace our responsibility of being your co-creators. Lead us to risk giving fully of ourselves so that the lonely are befriended, the discouraged bolstered, the poor lifted up, and the outcasts truly welcomed. Make us worthy of your entrusting us with more.

We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray, saying, Our Father . . .

Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church